Lance Armstrong provides today's moment.

Not for the fact that he won but for his manner behind the podium afterwards.

The American was smiling and joking with the media - yes, even the French media - as he reflected on his second straight stage win.

This in stark contrast to his relationship with journalists, notably those from France, during his two previous Tour wins in 1999 and 2000.

Then, the French in particular, were sceptical about the legality of his incredible performances, having come back from cancer.

How could this be - screamed the headlines - someone actually stronger and better after an illness like that?

Last year, Armstrong refused to speak French during the race, for fear of being misunderstood.

And his relationship with the country at large deteriorated, when an investigation was launched into why a backroom member of his US Postal team was found depositing medical refuse many miles from where he was staying.

Talking French

He will no doubt also have been irritated by an article in the Sunday Times just as this year's race was starting.

It didn't directly accuse him of anything, but put him in a less than flattering light.

However, today it was different.

Asked to comment on his win in English, Armstrong did, but joked: "Hey come on, I'm trying to get these guys to like me over here.

"Let me speak some French too."

This he did, to great effect.

Armstrong is clearly emerging as the man to beat again in the 2001 Tour. Is he also beginning to win over the French people?